Bill allows law enforcement to wiretap human traffickers

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Bill allows law enforcement to wiretap human traffickers

OKLAHOMA CITY — Law enforcement will now be able to wiretap those who are suspected of human trafficking for labor, commercial sex, and/or the prostitution of children, thanks for a bill signed by Governor Mary Fallin.

House Bill 1006 will help law enforcement catch traffickers without have to rely solely on the victims’ testimony.

“If we really want to fight the crime of human trafficking, we need to give law enforcement the tools they need to arrest those who are profiting from the selling of human beings,” Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City said. “Victims are afraid of their trafficker and fear for their life if they testify against their pimp. If law enforcement officers have the ability to wiretap conversations between a victim and his or her trafficker, testimony may not be necessary.”

The measure was approved by a vote of 91-0 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and by a vote of 43-0 in the Oklahoma Senate. It will take effect on Nov. 1.